Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced today that former Real Simple special projects editor and international editorial liaison Sarah Humphreys has been named editor in chief of Blueprint magazine, its new shelter and lifestyle magazine. Humphreys will be working across platforms, developing Blueprint editorial content for other MSLO divisions including "Martha" on NBC and "Martha Stewart Living Radio" on Sirius. The next issue of Blueprint is scheduled for late August 2006, with six more issues issues to follow in 2007. Humphreys replaces founding editor Rebecca Thuss, who left the magazine shortly before the May 1st launch, citing personal reasons. She had been with MSO for ten years. Full press release after the jump.
NB: The original version of this post incorrectly referred to Ms. Humphrey's as "Susan Humphreys" in the title of this post. ETP regrets the error, and anyone it may have misled (er, sorry, Keith). A red-faced thanks to Jossip for pointing this out. I know we're all going to laugh about this real soon.
MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC. TAPS SARAH HUMPHREYS AS
EDITOR IN CHIEF OF BLUEPRINT MAGAZINE
New Editor to Lead MSLO's Promising Lifestyle Magazine
NEW YORK, June 21, 2006--Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO)
has named Sarah Humphreys the Editor in Chief of Blueprint: Design Your
Life, a new lifestyle publication for women, ages 25-45. Ms. Humphreys, who
most recently served as Special Projects Director of Real Simple magazine,
will oversee editorial direction of Blueprint, which provides today's
modern, multi-tasking women with inspirational ideas and practical steps to
create and refine their own distinctive style in all aspects of their
lives.
Ms. Humphreys will collaborate with Debra Bishop, Blueprint's award-winning
design director, to implement the creative vision of the magazine. She will
also be working with home editor Page Marchese Norman, fashion editor Katie
Hatch, and beauty, health and fitness editor Elizabeth Graves, along with
the rest of the Blueprint team.
In addition to her magazine responsibilities, Ms. Humphreys will direct
development of Blueprint editorial content for other MSLO distribution
platforms, including MARTHA, MSLO's nationally-syndicated, live daily
"how-to" TV show, and Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS Satellite
Radio. She will also represent the magazine on national and local
television and radio shows.
The first test issue of Blueprint arrived on newsstands on May 1, 2006,
with an initial rate base of 250,000. The advance subscription sales are
well ahead of forecast. A second issue is slated for late August 2006. The
company anticipates publishing six issues of Blueprint in 2007.
Martha Stewart, Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, stated: "We are
delighted to have Sarah on board as the Blueprint team develops this
magazine for women who are designing their homes and their lives. She
personifies the target demographic of the magazine and with her experience
and leadership skills I feel she will be able to build and guide this
newest MSLO property into a strong and vibrant brand."
MSLO's Development Editor Tom Prince, who directed the launch of Blueprint
's first test issue, said: "Sarah is more than an accomplished and creative
editor. She's stylish and smart, and she lives the life of the Blueprint
reader. I'm confident that she will make this new magazine an extraordinary
success."
"I'm excited about this opportunity to work at a new magazine that
showcases the incredible beauty and utility that Martha Stewart is known
for," said Ms. Humphreys. "Blueprint represents a very fresh and unique
perspective for an audience of young women who are eager to forge their own
personal style."
As Special Projects Director at Real Simple, Ms. Humphreys was responsible
for bi-annual special issues and books. She also oversaw the magazine's
international editions in Japan, South Africa, and Greece, and appeared as
a guest expert on national and local television and radio shows to promote
the magazine.
Ms. Humphreys graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in English.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSLO) is a leading provider of
original "how-to" information, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique
lifestyle content and high-quality products. MSLO is organized into four
business segments: Publishing, Broadcasting, Merchandising, and Internet.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol MSO.
